Encore Vs Pro-Hunter frame

[fortress49]

What is the difference between the Encore frame and the Pro-Hunter frame?  As far as I can tell, the only difference is the "swing hammer" option on the pro-hunter. 

TC offers to put the swing hammer on the Encore if you send it in.  The cost is  ~$70.  In your opinion, is this option worth the cost?  Does it allow you to mount a scope lower to the bore?

The reason I am asking is I have the opportunity to buy a new Encore frame for $305.  I could then send it in to get the swing hammer put on for $70.  This makes the price go up to $370 plus shipping.  Or, would it be better to wait and find a Pro-hunter frame for a little more money?

Matt

[KamiahKid]

Matt
WHat I would do is to buy the Encore and put a $10 hammer extension on it.

[Buckskin]

As far as I know, the only difference is the hammer, and maybe a little prettier.  I've not had a problem with the standard hammer, that said I would get a Pro if I were you.  But I tend to buy the upgrades more times than not.  I've heard people have had problems with the $10 hammer extensions.

[scratcherky]

Hammer extensions are a known problem on Encores resulting in misfires. Another difference between the Prohunter and the Encore, so I have been told, is the Prohunter does not have a trigger over travel screw in the trigger guard so it would probably have to be drilled and tapped for one in order for the trigger to really work properly.

[Redhawk1]

fortress49, you would spend less buying the Pro-hunter frame than buying a standard Encore Frame and then paying another $70.00 to have the hammer changed. Remember you will be paying shipping also.
I have the pro-Hunter and I love it. i wish my other 2 Encore frames were the Pro-hunter frames.
I would not put a hammer extension on the Encore, it is only a problem waiting to happen and not recommended by T/C.

[kudzu]

The Pro Hunter DOES have the over travel adjustment on the trigger guard, At least both mine do. If I remember correctly a PH frame with camo was 425.00 out the door. That's what I was going to get, then found a NIB PH 209x50 thumbhole for 500.00 cash. This was a brandnew gun at a local gunshop. Me being a lefty I sold the thumbhole ,ordered a set of camo's from ED's Con. After all was said and done ,I only had 225 in new camo PH frame.
I havn't delt with the reg. Encores much  but love my Pro Hunters.
That would be my pick, DM

[K.K]

I agree with the notion of NOT putting hammer extensions on the Encores. Mine seems to work fine as a muzzleloader with one on, but when converted to .308 pistol, I experience misfires regualrly.  The only thing I would change is possibly installing a swing hammer.  I can live without the speed breach and power rod for muzzleloading. 

[rrush]

The reason TC recommends not to use hammer extensions is because they use underpowered hammer springs in the Encore.  It’s easier to tell folks to remove the hammer extension than to address the real problem of not having a strong enough hammer spring to use a hammer extension.  I have a .308 pistol barrel with a low mounted Burris scope.  I can safely cock the hammer without an extension with a mounted scope but I don’t feel the same amount of control if I need to de-cock it with a loaded round.  This is why is use a hammer extension.

My neighbor was getting 50% misfires on a .223 15” pistol barrel.  We both put 51# hammer springs in with the #2 sear spring from you know where (name is not permitted on this site).  We have fired thousand of rounds from his Encore and mine and have never had a misfire with our hammer extensions.  Just my .02 worth.

[K.K]

rrush- Thanks for the info. Did the new springs adversely affect trigger pull?

[Redhawk1]

The reason TC recommends not to use hammer extensions is because they use underpowered hammer springs in the Encore.  It’s easier to tell folks to remove the hammer extension than to address the real problem of not having a strong enough hammer spring to use a hammer extension.  I have a .308 pistol barrel with a low mounted Burris scope.  I can safely cock the hammer without an extension with a mounted scope but I don’t feel the same amount of control if I need to de-cock it with a loaded round.  This is why is use a hammer extension.

My neighbor was getting 50% misfires on a .223 15” pistol barrel.  We both put 51# hammer springs in with the #2 sear spring from you know where (name is not permitted on this site).  We have fired thousand of rounds from his Encore and mine and have never had a misfire with our hammer extensions.  Just my .02 worth.

There is more to it than just misfires. The other reason T/C does not recommend the hammer extensions is, the hammers are hollow on the inside and the set screw weakens the hammer and can cause the hammer to break.  When you break your hammer don't cry to T/C, they will charge you for putting the hammer extension on the hammer. It is very apparent when you see the set screw ding in the hammer.

[Buckskin]

My neighbor was getting 50% misfires on a .223 15” pistol barrel.  We both put 51# hammer springs in with the #2 sear spring from you know where (name is not permitted on this site).  We have fired thousand of rounds from his Encore and mine and have never had a misfire with our hammer extensions.  Just my .02 worth.

Why is a person's name not permitted on this site?

[rrush]

To K.K.
The 51# pound hammer spring did increase the hammer pull a little bit, but it feels much smoother and when the hammer locks in the cocked position there is more of a solid lock feel to the hammer.  What lightened the trigger pull was the #2 sear spring.  I have not measured it but according to the web site I bought it from it’s about a 2-1/2 to 3 pound pull.  I did not polish any of the parts just installed the heavier hammer spring and new sear spring.  The trigger is sweet.  It’s the best one I have on any of my firearms.  The 51# pound hammer spring, sear spring and heavy-duty lock up spring (for the barrel lug lock-up) was in a kit for under $15.00.  You have your choice of 7 sear springs.  I installed it myself in under an hour.

This same company also has a 3-setscrew hammer extension.  Two on the top to lock into the groves on top the hammer and the traditional one on the side.  In almost a thousand rounds of .308 I have not had one misfire.  Redhawk1 stated above the hammer could break.  That might be true, but I would think it would have failed by now.  I will take my chances with the hammer extension.  I think with the 3-setscrew setup it would disperse the tightening force equal across the hammer instead of just one location.  When I installed the hammer extension I used about the same force I use on scope ring screws.  The two screws on top prevent any forward-back movement.  It really is a solid install on the extension.  I am totally impressed with how mine shoots and the trigger pull.  Based on reading this forum, there are hundreds more people having problems with misfires using a hammer extension with the stock hammer spring than there are people breaking there hammers with heavy duty hammer springs and hammer extensions installed. 

[mjshell]

i believe it is actually the weight of the hammer extension that causes long term problems.  all my frames have lightweight aluminum hammer extensions and i have never had a problem.  if some day i have to purchase a new hammer, it's a small price to pay for the safety i feel it affords me.

[rrush]

I agree with you mjshell.  It's a small price to pay for the added safety.  The 3 setscrew hammer extension I have is also aluminum, it is also smaller than most of the ones I have seen.  I wish I could have more than one frame - but the wife would kill me.  So I have one frame and 4 barrels and play barrel swap all the time.  But then this is the selling point of the Encore/Contenders isn't it?

[mjshell]

rrush,
 we're on the same page.
i have one 3 screw aluminum hammer extension, i think the 3 set screws really make it secure.  on some of my frames with light triggers, i also have installed heavier hammer spring.

[Bigboar]

The reason TC recommends not to use hammer extensions is because they use underpowered hammer springs in the Encore.  It’s easier to tell folks to remove the hammer extension than to address the real problem of not having a strong enough hammer spring to use a hammer extension.  I have a .308 pistol barrel with a low mounted Burris scope.  I can safely cock the hammer without an extension with a mounted scope but I don’t feel the same amount of control if I need to de-cock it with a loaded round.  This is why is use a hammer extension.

My neighbor was getting 50% misfires on a .223 15” pistol barrel.  We both put 51# hammer springs in with the #2 sear spring from you know where (name is not permitted on this site).  We have fired thousand of rounds from his Encore and mine and have never had a misfire with our hammer extensions.  Just my .02 worth.

Please send me a PM where to locate the hammer extensoin and springs.

Thanks,

bigboar